Another great cook graces the kitchen! Susan took over breakfast duty this morning, whipping up a delicious start to our day. We’re getting pretty spoiled around here!
We’re off to tour Skellig Six18 Distillery, in nearby Cahersiveen on the Wild Atlantic Way. Named for the 618 ancient steps climbed by the monks of Skellig Michael, the distillery produces Irish whiskey, gin and other spirits inspired by this rugged corner of County Kerry. Looking forward to seeing how it’s all made — and, of course, sampling the finished product!
Our tour guide, Trish, walked us through the distilling process for both whiskey and gin. Whiskey begins with grain and gets much of its character from years of aging in wooden barrels, while gin starts with a neutral spirit that’s redistilled with juniper and other botanicals to create its distinctive flavors. Same stills, two very different spirits — and a little science and magic along the way!
Trish explained the four types of Irish whiskey: single malt, single grain, traditional single pot still and blended. We also learned how different barrels — from bourbon and sherry to peated casks — shape the final flavor. Lots of science, lots of patience.
Up the road a ways from Waterville is the sweetest little spot called Derrynane, tucked along the coast on the Ring of Kerry. It’s home to a gorgeous stretch of sandy beach, the ruins of an old abbey on tidal Abbey Island, and Derrynane House, the ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell, known as “The Liberator.” Surrounded by wooded paths, gardens and spectacular views of the Atlantic, it’s one of those peaceful little corners of Ireland that feels almost untouched by time.
The cliff road winds high above the coast, offering spectacular views of Abbey Island and the sparkling Atlantic beyond. On a clear day, you can even see Skellig Michael rising from the sea in the distance.
Derrynane House is surrounded by beautiful wooded paths and gardens that seem to pull you in, inviting you to wander a little farther and explore every trail.
Just a stone’s throw from the historical house is beautiful Derrynane Beach, a long stretch of golden sand along the edge of Derrynane National Historic Park.
Low tide revealed rocky outcrops covered with barnacles and all kinds of tiny sea life—a whole little world exposed by the receding tide.
Just offshore from Derrynane Beach are the haunting ruins of Derrynane Abbey on Abbey Island. At low tide, the sea pulls back and you can walk across the sand to explore the ancient ruins and cemetery. Just keep an eye on the tide — the island becomes an island again when the Atlantic rolls back in!
After hiking around the Abbey Island, we wandered down the road and found tiny Bridie’s — officially Keating’s Bar — a little Derrynane institution that feels more like someone’s front room than a pub.
We were told it’s been here for around 100 years. For decades, Bridie Keating welcomed locals, travelers and sailors coming in from Derrynane Harbor with a pint, a sandwich and, when needed, a warm fire. A wonderful little piece of old Ireland.
The road from Bridie’s Pub led to an old ringfort, one of the thousands scattered across the Irish countryside.
These circular, earthwork enclosures date back more than a thousand years and were once farmsteads where families lived with their livestock. Today, many remain as grassy rings in the landscape, often wrapped in Irish folklore and stories of fairies.
The ringfort led to a Fairy Trail … little fairy houses, tiny doors and whimsical surprises were tucked among the trees, turning an ordinary woodland walk into a bit of Irish magic.
Back to the house just in time for a game of Gin Rummy at the backyard picnic table as the sun began to set.
An evening walk as the sun slipped behind the mountains, with the sea on one side and cows grazing in the pasture on the other.
I did a little digging and found a recipe for Dublin Coddle made with Rooster potatoes, onions, pork sausage and lamb followed by Irish Apple Cake made with Bramley apples and topped with warm custard.
Peaceful, serene and delicious — another beautiful ending to an Irish day.
